Plans for a new solar farm at Alnwick have been approved by Northumberland County Council planners.
The solar panels will provide clean electricity to a number of nearby businesses, but it will not not be connected to the national grid. The array will be built south of the town on a 6.64 hectare site bordered by the A1 to the east and the Duchess's Community High School to the west.
The proposals were well received by the public - despite the fact that 132 were neighbours notified, the county council received just one objection.
- Read more: Cramlington pub murder trial: Jury retire to consider verdict over death of ambulance worker
- Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter
Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the council's strategic planning committee, Coun Barry Flux said: "Alnwick is a rural district with lots of beautiful sites, but this is in an urban service centre.
"It would seem to be that the location by the A1 and the business parks is an ideal location for it. I wholeheartedly support it."
The site is considered as lower quality agricultural land, with a report presented to members explaining that the loss of this land for the 40-year lifespan of the solar farm was "not considered to be significant". Furthermore, it is "anticipated" that the soil quality would improve over the "long fallow period", making it more productive in the future.
While National Highways - formerly Highways England - did object to the proposals over concerns over glint and glare for drivers on the A1, these concerns have since been addressed. A "soil bund" will be used to restrict views onto the site as well as the aforementioned glint and glare.
Coun Richard Dodd, who has solar panels on his own property, disputed whether glint and glare was an issue.
He said: "There is a lot that goes on about glint and glare. I've got solar panels and there's no real glint or glare from them that blinds you. It's a bit of a myth."
The scheme was unanimously approved by councillors, in line with officers' recommendations.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Christmas and New Year in the North East community
Join our I'm A Celebrity community for all the latest updates from the jungle
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
